With more than 12 million items in its collection, the New York State Museum is one of the largest museums, in the world. Nearly all of the artifacts on display have at one time or another had an influence on New York, Albany, or the land that they now stand on. There are fossils that are millions of years old, along with displays of life in the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries, through to the present day.

Albany - go and see the USS Slater

Throughout World War 2 hundreds of destroyer ships, defended merchant shipping in the Atlantic, and then in the Pacific they helped defend naval ships in landings, on various coasts. The last of these mighty ships is the USS Slater, which is now permanently moored on the Hudson River in Albany. This majestic war ship has undergone a 15 year restoration and between April and November you can see the results of this work, by attending and taking part in an hour long tour, with experienced and knowledgeable guides.

Brooklyn - stroll the beautiful Brooklyn Botanic Gardens

First created in 1910, the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens have developed into one of the best places in the city to go to get away from the noise and commotion of life. Spread over an impressive 52 acres of prime real estate, the gardens consist of 13 different individual gardens, 13 collections and features, 5 different conservatories and numerous statues and water fountains. In April the gardens host a cherry blossom festival, in the beautiful Cherry Esplanade. This is considered as nearly as spectacular as the more famous Japanese equivalent.

Brooklyn - walk across the Brooklyn Bridge

At the time of its opening in 1883 the Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world. Even today it is still an impressive sight, despite all the traffic that goes over it each and every day. In addition to the road lanes allocated for vehicles there are also cycling and pedestrian paths across the bridge, and it is from here that some of the most amazing views of the city and the riverside can be observed and seen.

New York City - a night at the opera at the Metropolitan Opera House

The first performance at the Metropolitan Opera House, in New York City took place in 1883, and it has been delighting audiences ever since. It has not been unknown for more than 30 different operas to be performed in one year. For true opera lovers, there is also an opportunity to take a back stage tour, and if you are particularly fortunate, you may get to see one of the operas being rehearsed.

New York City - absorb the atmosphere strolling Greenwich Village

Located just on the very outer edge of Broadway, you can find Greenwich Village. This is home to both some of the city’s most interesting architecture as well as many of the city’s collection of artists and musicians, making it a great place to go and visit, and just see what you will come across.The Village is also home to some amazing restaurants and coffee houses, meaning there is always somewhere new to try and experience.

New York City - take a walk through High Line Park

Originally used to keep heavy freight trains off the streets on Manhattan, the High Line is now a park that stretches through the streets of Manhattan, that even take in the infamous Hells Kitchen. The Line is continuously being extended and so is a series of paths and plants, that create an area of peace and quiet, above the busy streets.

New York City - visit the Ground Zero Museum Workshop

The Ground Zero Museum Workshop is a totally unique experience showing the tragic events of 9/11 in photographic and video formats. Unusual for a museum you are encouraged to handle some of the exhibits to really give you a ‘feel’ of what it was like in the aftermath of the crashes. The museum is closed on Wednesdays and bookings in advance are required as it gets very busy. Bookings can be made via the museum website.

Introduction of New York

The third most heavily populated state in the United States is New York, the relatively small state in the nation’s far north east corner. It is as close to Canada and cities there like Montreal as it is to other places in the United States such as Chicago. Naturally, the spread of New York hotels is immense, with every kind of accommodation imaginable in this massive state. New York hotels in New York City are far and away the most expensive in the country with some, like the Waldorf Astoria, among the most famous and luxurious hotels in the world. Alternatively, hotels in New York can include budget motels and very low rent places that would suit even the most modest of tastes, and the smallest of budgets. Like everything else in New York, when it comes to hotels, there really is something for everyone in this great and justifiably famous state.